On Tuesday, May 28th 2019, three South American men, not correctly informed, went to the Immigration and Naturalization Department located on A.Th. Illidge Road filed a report against their employer. These men were heard by the IND personnel and referred to the Human smuggling/trafficking department of KPSM.
At the office of the Human Smuggling/Trafficking department the three men told their story of being exploited. After taking their statement the men were explained that this possible case of exploitation took place on the French side where KPSM has no jurisdiction. They were further explained that they would have to go to the French authorities to file an official complaint against their employer. Contact was also made with the Prosecutor that is assigned to the Human trafficking cases and informed of the situation. He agreed that this matter should be handled by the French authorities. He instructed the Human trafficking team to share the information with the French authorities, which was done the following morning, May 29th, 2019.
On May 29th 2019, a ‘Good Samaritan” brought 4 other South American men to the Philipsburg Police station. These men also came to file a complaint against the same employer. Members of the Human trafficking team listened to their story and advised them to take contact with the French authorities. Noting the seriousness of the situation contact was immediately made with the French authorities and they were informed about the situation and that the French Immigration authorities should be assist in solving this situation. While waiting for the members of the PAF to arrive, another South American man was transported from the PJIA airport to the Philipsburg police station by members of the Alpha team. Apparently this man missed his flight back to South America. This gentleman also complained about being exploited by the same employer on the French side.
When the members of the PAF arrived at the police headquarters, they listened to the stories of the men and informed them that they would have to return to the French side in order to receive the necessary assistance to resolve this matter. All of them volunteered to go back with the PAF to the French Side. The members of the PAF together with the all of the men involved were escorted by the Dutch Immigration Mobile Unit to the French side in order to resolve this matter.
KPSM is taking this opportunity to remind and warn the community and in particular contractors that the hiring of illegal persons is in violation with articles 2:239, 2:154 and 2:155 of the Code of Criminal Law and the Labor Laws. The situation at this point in regard to these persons is becoming a problem. These persons because of their illegal status are been targeted and are becoming victims of serious criminal acts by criminal elements in the community. KPSM and in particular the Department of Human Trafficking/Smuggling will, under no circumstance tolerate the trafficking, smuggling or exploitation of any person or persons legal or illegal. Persons even though not having legal status on the island do have a right to file a report of any criminal act against them. Combating human trafficking and human-smuggling is one of the priorities of the Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Prosecution Service.
